Slow-Cooker Chicken Brown Rice and Pearl Barley Casserole
A hearty one-pot comfort meal combining tender chicken breast pieces with nutty brown rice and chewy pearl barley in a creamy broth base. Bacon adds smoky richness while vegetables provide color and texture. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or meal prep, this slow cooker casserole delivers satisfying warmth during colder months. The combination of two grains creates an interesting texture contrast that sets this version apart from typical single-grain casseroles.
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 medium carrots, cut into 1/2-inch slices (1 1/2 cups)
- 1 medium celery stalk, chopped (1/2 cup)
- 1 carton (32 oz) Progresso chicken broth
- 1 can (10 3/4 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup uncooked brown rice
- ½ cup uncooked pearl barley
- chopped fresh parsley(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Cook bacon in 12-inch skillet over medium heat until crisp
- 2
Add chicken and cook 3 to 5 minutes until no longer pink on outside
- 3
Stir in onion, carrots and celery, cook 2 minutes stirring frequently, then drain
- 4
Spray slow cooker with cooking spray
- 5
Beat 2 cups chicken broth and soup with whisk until smooth in large bowl
- 6
Stir in remaining broth, chicken mixture, rice and barley
- 7
Spoon mixture into slow cooker
- 8
Cover and cook on Low heat setting 6 to 7 hours until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed
- 9
Serve topped with chopped fresh parsley
Tips
Brown the bacon until crisp for maximum flavor contribution to the dish
Check liquid levels after 5 hours - add more broth if mixture looks too dry
Let rest 10 minutes before serving to allow grains to absorb remaining liquid
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in covered container
Can prep vegetables and chicken day before, store separately
Serve hot directly from slow cooker with fresh parsley garnish
Common Mistakes
Don't skip draining the skillet mixture to avoid excess grease in final dish
Don't lift slow cooker lid during cooking to prevent heat loss and uneven cooking
Don't use quick-cooking rice as it will become mushy during long cook time
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless thighs work well and will be more tender. Cut to same size pieces and cooking time remains the same.
What if my rice isn't tender after 7 hours?
Add 1/2 cup more broth and cook 30-60 minutes longer. Different rice brands may need varying cook times.
How long will this keep in the refrigerator?
Stored properly in the refrigerator, this casserole will keep for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in microwave with splash of broth.